Southampton 1-1 Brighton: Three match takeaways 31/1/2018

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Referee Mike Dean shows a yellow card to Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion at St Mary’s Stadium on January 31, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Southampton extended their Premier League winless drought to twelve games with a 1-1 draw against Brighton on Wednesday night.

A Glen Murray spot kick, against the run of play turned the game on its head 14 minutes in. From then on in, it was a listless attacking display from Southampton as they tried to crack a defense sitting deep.

Despite dominating possession, the Saints again showed an ineffectiveness in the attacking third. A sheer lack of confidence compiled with a growing unease throughout St. Mary’s stadium must be to blame.

If not for a miraculous Jack Stephens goal from a James Ward-Prowse set piece, Mauricio Pellegrino would surely have been sent packing. With ample support of Saints fans.

However, with the definition of a “relegation match” on the horizon against West Brom on Saturday, immediate change seems unlikely.

Southampton must push on and find a way to win, despite leadership that failed to secure deadline day deals, and instills confidence in a manager that seems to have none himself.

Here are three takeaways from the result with Brighton.